Have you heard of the infamous and misunderstood tussie-mussie? Currently thought of as a nosegay, or compact bouquet of flowers and herbs, it has a colorful, if obscure, past with hilarious connotations....
Growing Your Own Saffron
Saffron is an expensive spice that has a very distinct flavor and aroma. It is prized throughout the world, but often only used for special-occasion dishes because it is so expensive. Where Does Saffron...
Using Herbs for Dental Care
Because commercial toothpastes and other tooth cleaners and whiteners contain harsh abrasives, detergents, and bleaches, you can give your teeth a break by buying herbal toothpastes, or making your own....
Do Poppy Seeds Contain Drugs?
The poppy is a red flower with a thick seed pods that carry the popular poppy seeds used in cooking. Although there's been a great deal of misinformation about the ability of poppy seeds to create false...
Make Lavender Sugar
For an unexpected and rich taste, try making your own lavender sugar. This is a unique treat that's easy to make and fun to use.Uses for Lavender SugarLavender sugar is a great alternative to vanilla...
Herbs for Oral Health
If you've had concerns about the use of strong mouthwashes and toothpastes, consider their safer and gentler alternatives. Herbal oral products provide antibacterial protection without the fillers and...
Crabbing Vessel Stuck on Copalis Beach
Agencies Respond to IncidentsU.S. Coast Guard January 25, 2008 SEATTLE, WAThe Coast Guard and Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) continue response efforts in an incident this week along the Washington...
It's Not Too Late to Protect Your Plants from the Cold Weather
The cold weather is upon us, and if you live where there's a freeze, be kind to your plants. Check to make sure that plants that are borderline for your growing zone are well mulched and protected from...
Make Lavender Bath Salts
Reduce stress by bathing with lavender. Lavender aromatherapy can help you relax and regroup. Use your bath to get the aromatherapy benefits of lavender while enjoying the natural muscle relaxers in Epsom...
Homemade Ginger Beer
Ginger beer is a light, refreshing ale that you can easily make at home. Brewed with yeast, it is a unique beverage that will become a summer tradition at your house. It's great to make with the kids,...
Free Herb Catalogs
Below is a listing of free herb catalogs; some are snail mail and some are PDF files. Happy Shopping! Click on the name to go to their request pages.HorizonHerbs Mountain Valley GrowersMountain Rose HerbsNichols...
Using Herbs for Breast Enlargement
I am asked this question frequently, and there is no easy answer. Although I do recommend herbs to relieve the symptoms of menopause, my feeling about using bulk herbs for this purpose is pretty negative....
Four Thieves Vinegar
In my explorations of the history and uses of lavender, I came across some interesting information about Four Thieves Vinegar. I'd heard of it before, but didn't know what it meant:The Legend of Four...
Make Your Own Herbs de Provence
Herbs de Provence is a robust mixture of herbs made popular in the southeastern region of France. It is often used in the preparation of grilled meats, fish and vegetable stews, and is usually added before...
Hops - More than Just an Ingredient in Beer
The history of hops can be traced back to first century (A.D.) Rome, where it was used as a vegetable and decorative plant. Several hundred years later it had spread throughout Europe and was in widespread...
Herbs and Foods that Can be Toxic To Your Pets
For many of us, our pets are members of the family, and there are unpublicized hazards that can impact their health.Household Dangers to Your PetYou may not know it, but using high heat with your non-stick...
Lavender in Literature (Quotes about Lavender)
Lavender has a long literary past. With a fine fragrance, medicinal and culinary value, and a history of favor at court, lavender waxes poetic in these memorable quotes and passages:Lavender and Culpeper(The...
The History of Lavender
If you are a lover of lavender, then its associations with luck from the early St. John's Day festivals, and its reputation as an anti-plague herb are tidbits you'll enjoy with your morning coffee.Books...
Keep Lavender Indoors
Lavender makes an attractive and useful indoor plant. When kept in a sunny window, it brings its unique fresh fragrance to your living space. A lavender plant requires little care, preferring to dry...
Propagating Lavender
Lavender can be propagated from cuttings, seed, or division.Propagating Lavender from CuttingsLavender is easy to grow from cuttings in spring or fall. Take young stems with a heel attached and dip them...
Cityofoceanshores.com Newsletter ~ 01.2008
Springtime at the Beach!Well it's not here yet, but Mother Nature has been teasing us lately with a few gorgeous days with lots of sunshine, no wind and warm weather. This year is promising to be another...
Understand the Different Types of Lavender
Lavender is enormously popular, but not all lavender is created equal. Using different varieties of lavender will yield different results, and knowing the right lavender for your garden or intended use...
Remove Mineral Deposits and Sterilize Your Plant Pots
When I can't work in the garden, most of the houseplants are dormant, and the new season's seed catalogs haven't arrived yet, I turn to cleaning.One of my regular winter chores is to remove scale and...
The Healthful Benefits of Cranberries
You may not be growing them in your garden, and they may technically be a fruit, but cranberries are proving to be very beneficial to your health.I didn't design this blog to discuss current medical research,...
Growing Lavender
Lavender is one of the most easily distinguished, popular, and restful of fragrances. It is attractive to both men and women, and is the main fragrance in a wide range of beauty and home products.Lavender...
Log Under Interesting Gadgets - The Neti Pot
If you are one of the few people who hasn't heard of the neti pot (also referred to as the salt lamp or nose bidet), it is an ingenious Indian device used to irrigate nasal passages. A "do it yourself"...
Can We do it All?
I just received my first seed catalog in the mail and watched a useful cable how-to on composting. My original plan for the day included writing notes about both these topics, as well as making a batch...
Victory Vegetable Garden
During the Second World War, and during other wars before and since, people were encouraged to grow their own produce. These were "necessary" gardens that insured that there would be food on the table...
Garlic as a Pest Deterrent
I have a garlic update since I blogged about keeping rue and garlic together near your roses.Japanese Beetle DeterrentI've mentioned that you can grow garlic and rue with roses to keep pests like the...
Propagate Aloe Vera
I get lots of requests for information on propagating Aloe Vera, so here is my take on the subject.Watch For Aloe Vera Plant PupsAs a succulent, Aloe is easy to keep and grow. It requires well-drained,...
Natural Hangover Remedies
If you're feeling a little the worse for wear after your New Year's Eve celebration, try taking some honey. Naturally high in fructose, honey will help your body metabolize any residual alcohol. Staying...
